In an increasingly tumultuous summer, the last few weeks may have felt like years - certainly long enough for many, your correspondent included, to have forgotten how to yot. Despite this general air of amnesia, an eager fleet took to the Waitemata in dazzling summer conditions like fledgling swans - or ugly ducklings in some cases - making a meal of two starts and multiple mark-roundings, but remaining buoyant and, mercifully, afloat.

Staying aloof of the melee and out of trouble, Feng Shui (1348) posted two bullets, while Magrette (1240) and Affinity (1059) displayed consistency and persistence to finish 2nd and 3rd overall, respectively.

Next week, the fleet welcomes Conrad Robertson in the newly-restored Revenge (240). The following week, the Auckland Champs will again be held over two evenings - Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st.